We are expats living in Mexico right now. It’s $30. a square foot here in Ajijic to build a home. Mexicans build beautiful and sturdy homes and almost ALL of them have walls.
Another note, many of the Mexicans that we know that came back to take care of aging parents, tell us, they miss everything about the United States. In our town, the locals really appreciate all that the expats have done to improve their town and their lives.
I have too many fears to live in Mexico. Of course, most major cities here have areas I wouldn’t wander into either.